Same story, new ending for Cathedral Catholic

The Lancers ended the Dons’ pursuit of a Southern California Regional girls soccer title last season with a victory in the semifinals.

The two met again Wednesday. Same round. Same venue. This time, however, second-seeded Cathedral Catholic walked off the field brimming with smiles as the Dons defeated No. 3 Bishop Amat 2-0.

“They wanted this game,” Cathedral Catholic coach Dawn Lee said. “They wanted a chance at redemption. The girls went out and earned it.”

Brittany Doan and Alex Ocon notched first-half goals for the Dons, who advance to the SoCal Regional Division II final against top-seeded West Hills Chaminade at 5 p.m. Friday at Warren High in Downey.

Doan opened the scoring. The junior midfielder found the back of the net with a fifth-minute goal from inside the box — her 19th of the season.

“It took some of the pressure off,” said senior midfielder Mikaela Kraus. “We were able to relax our nerves a bit and just play our game.”

Ocon doubled the lead 25 minutes later, connecting with a low cross from sophomore forward Jessica Clegg and smashing it in the far right corner for her fifth goal of the season.

“We’ve preached team defense,” Lee said, “and when we play team defense, we’re successful and the goals result from it.”

Despite a two-goal cushion, the Dons never changed their tactics. Preventive, conservative play wouldn’t cut it.

“We’re an attacking-minded team,” Lee said. “I asked my girls at half, what’s the worst lead to have in soccer. They all responded, 2-0. One goal and you’re back in it. Even with the lead, we wanted to continue attacking and hopefully get a couple more or, if not, keep a clean sheet.”

Hanna Macaulay did. Bishop Amat attempted five shots, all swept up by the junior goalkeeper, who collected her 19th goal-free match.

Added Kraus: “We’re giving everything because we want to win it all, not just settle for being here.”